Dummy bar for continuous casting machines

Abstract

The dummy bar includes a flexible sheet having several rows of contact elements fastened along a portion of its length to both sides of the sheet. Free projections of contact elements of different rows overlap one another in a lengthwise direction to the dummy bar. In order to create a simple, operationally safe, low maintenance dummy bar the flexible sheet includes recesses corresponding to the projection of the free projections of the contact elements.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A dummy bar for continuous casting machines having an at least partially arc-shaped strand guide comprising: a dummy bar head;   a flexible sheet fastened to said dummy bar head and having rows of contact elements extending longitudinally therealong;   the contact elements being fastened along a portion of their length to said sheet, each of said contact elements in one of said rows having projections which overlap projections of contact elements disposed in others of said rows in a direction longitudinal of said sheet; and   recesses disposed along said rows of said flexible sheet, said overlapping projections of each of said contact elements extending into associated ones of said recesses.   
     
     
       2. A dummy bar according to claim 1 wherein said overlapping projections of said contact elements are formed of two spaced portions, one disposed on each side of said sheet, and wherein shims are provided between said two portions of said projections, said shims having a thickness generally equal to that of said sheet. 
     
     
       3. A dummy bar according to claim 1 wherein said contact elements are generally rectangular in shape. 
     
     
       4. A dummy bar according to claim 1 wherein said sheet is forged of spring steel. 
     
     
       5. A dummy bar according to claim 1 wherein said contact elements are connected to said sheet by rivets. 
     
     
       6. A dummy bar according to claim 1 wherein said sheet is secured to said dummy bar head in slits formed on the underside of said dummy bar head. 
     
     
       7. A dummy bar for continuous casting machines having an at least partially arc-shaped strand guide comprising: a dummy bar head;   a flexible sheet formed of several flexible strips arranged in a generally parallel, spaced relationship with respect to one another and fastened to said dummy bar head;   a plurality of contact elements interconnecting said strips, each contact element having longitudinal pieces extending into spaces disposed between said strips, said longitudinal pieces of each of said contact elements being disposed in spaces spaced longitudinally from longitudinal pieces of others of said contact elements but overlapping longitudinal pieces of others of said contact elements in a longitudinal direction.   
     
     
       8. A dummy bar according to claim 7 wherein each of said contact element has more than one longitudinal piece disposed therealong. 
     
     
       9. A dummy bar according to claim 7 wherein said contact elements are formed of two spaced portions, one portion disposed on each side of said sheet, and wherein shims are provided between said two spaced portions, said shims having a thickness generally equal to that of said sheet. 
     
     
       10. A dummy bar according to claim 7 wherein said contact elements have a generally cross-shape. 
     
     
       11. A dummy bar according to claim 7 wherein said sheet is formed of spring steel. 
     
     
       12. A dummy bar according to claim 7 wherein said contact elements are connected to said sheet by rivets. 
     
     
       13. A dummy bar according to claim 7 wherein said sheet is secured to said dummy bar head in slits formed on the underside of said dummy bar head.